Lots to Offer on the 2014 Windjammer Cruises

November 18, 2013 4:25 pm

As I look outside on this dreary, rainy November day, it’s hard to believe just how quickly summer flew by this year. Captain Brendan and First Mate Brett spent a long day yesterday getting Manitou’s winter cover secured. Before we know it we’ll be hoisting the Christmas tree up the mast! But even though we’re hunkering down for winter our sites are already firmly fixed on next sailing season. With that in mind, we are excited to announce our 2014 Windjammer Cruises!

We kick off the Windjammer season with the 6 Day Explorer Cruise ($889 pp.), from September 3-9. The 2013 trip was one for the history books! Not only did it sell out in short order, but everyone had such a fantastic time that we’re already half filled for the 2014 sail. Join us on a longer cruise and fully embrace the rhythm of wind, wave, and shipboard life.

September 11-15 we will head off on our 4 Day Wine Cruise ($739 pp.), back by popular demand! Explore the great wine regions of the world with expert host Tim Tebeau. Tim’s lifelong passion for food, wine and travel has been realized in thirteen years as a retailer, distributor and importer of great wines from around the world. Tim holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan and writes as Food & Wine Editor for Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine in addition to holding a partnership in U.S. Wine Imports, the Ann Arbor-based importer and distributor of boutique, family-owned wineries from North America and Europe. Tim hosts over thirty wine events each year to educate consumers and service industry professionals on regional wine styles and winemaking practices. He lives in Petoskey with his wife and two daughters. Each evening aboard Manitou we will discuss the winemaking histories and taste the varietals of different countries. Dinners will feature paired wines chosen by Tim as a perfect complement to our meals.

September 19-23 marks a new 4 ½ day offering for 2014; The Great Lakes Schooner Festival ($749 pp.). Join us as we gather with tall ships from around the Great Lakes! Board Manitou between 2:00 and 4:00 pm on Friday, September 23. After dinner aboard we will set sail and parade around lower West Grand Traverse Bay, together with a fleet of visiting schooners! Following the procession we will dock in company with the other vessels, giving everyone a chance to stroll the pier and view these majestic sailing ships. We will depart Traverse City after breakfast the following morning, setting a course for…..who knows where? We’ll let the wind and weather decide our itinerary! This is a rare opportunity to step into the pages of history, and only five open cabins remain!

Fear not, star gazers! The 4 Day Astronomy Cruise ($739 pp.) returns from September 25-29. Astronomer and Hillsdale College professor Mark Nussbaum will once again be our guide to the moon and stars as we study the brilliant northern Michigan heavens.

Interested in searching out the first bits of autumn color? October 2-6 is our 4 Day Fall Foliage Cruise ($659 pp.). This is a beautiful time of year to experience all that northern Michigan has to offer! Kick back, relax and enjoy the view.

Last, but certainly not least, is the season wrap up, the 3 Day Fall Foliage Cruise! Join us October 9-12 as we bid farewell to the 2014 season. This affordable cruise is only $529 per person! We’ll have the apple cider waiting for you.

No matter which trip you choose your cruise will be highlighted by new friends, casual fun, and phenomenal home cooked meals prepared on a wood burning stove. Remember, ALL RETURNING PASSENGERS RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT!